The RMT union has challenged the rail regulator over what it describes as its “conflicted position” regarding Driver Only Operated trains.

The introduction of them is at the heart of a dispute between the union and a number of UK rail operators, including Northern, resulting in a series of strike actions.

While the RMT has said guards are ‘safety critical’, the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) appears to agree with the operators who say they are not.

The union’s general secretary Mick Cash has launched his challenge after the results of a recent RSSB survey which revealed that 70% of travellers asked said they would still attempt to board a train despite the door alarm sounding and more than half (57%) would try to enter a carriage just before the doors start to close.

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RSSB lead human factors specialist, Paul Leach, reportedly said: “The best way to avoid the risk of a nasty accident is to keep back from the edge and not try to get on or off once the door alarm starts to sound.

“Despite their appearance, train doors are not like lift doors and won’t necessarily re-open if something is trapped in them.”

There were 1,515 incidents on platform edges at railway stations in 2015/16.

Several passengers have been injured after being trapped in doors and dragged by trains in recent years including at Newcastle Central in June 2013 and on the Tyne and Wear Metro in Jarrow in April 2012.

Mick Cash (Image: Newcastle Chronicle)

In a letter to the RSSB, RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said: “I am aware of RSSB’s press release detailing research on passenger perceptions of door alarms and the risks that are associated with incidents of this type including the most severe instances of trap and drag.

“As you will know RMT has particular concerns around these events in our current campaign to retain a second safety critical worker on-board trains.

“The press report talks of 1515 incidents at the platform edge in the 2015/16 financial year and I believe this is an increase in incidents on past years although it is difficult to compare when most of your usual data is poorly presented.

“However, despite the level of risk and the enormous efforts put in by the industry to reduce risk at the Platform Train Interface you then appear to be washing your hands of the problem by asking passengers to change their behaviour rather than by ensuring enough staff are in place to control those risks.

“RMT believes that there should be a fundamental re-assessment of the issue related to DOO dispatch which should look to incorporate actions of suitably trained and qualified personnel on both trains and stations. In-action in this matter on industry’s part will be to conclude it is because RSSB are funded by the employers.”

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An RSSB spokesperson said: “We have seen RMT’s release today and note the letter Mick Cash is sending us.

“The overall safety record of Britain’s railways is very positive. This is based on a sustained focus on good quality data about the risk as well as the right investment in people and technology.

“In some cases, it pays to make passengers aware of things they can do to help. We will read Mick’s letter and of course get back to them to discuss any issue of concern, either by further correspondence or a meeting if appropriate.”